10 Years of Cardinal Quarter: Minha Khan

Minha Khan, ’21; PhD Student and Associate at University of Cambridge and Global Schools Forum
Cardinal Quarter Placements: The Citizens Foundation (2018, 2019, 2021); Educational Resource Development Center (2020)

What impact did your Cardinal Quarter experience have on you? 
Cardinal Quarters are a true embodiment of what it means to encourage and support young scholars in pursuing meaningful and impactful work. My Cardinal Quarter, similar to many others, allowed me to dedicate myself to work that mattered, worry-free, because I was both academically and financially supported. It sets the bar so high for what it means to create opportunities and pathways for social good, setting a standard that few other programs ever meet! The more I explore other fellowships now, the more gratitude I have for the Cardinal Quarter program and the opportunities it offers.

How did your Cardinal Quarter influence your academic, career, or life choices? 
My first Cardinal Quarter was with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) in Pakistan. What began as a summer internship ended up as a 5-year project that I collaborated with TCF on. Once I graduated from Stanford, I officially joined TCF as an employee where I continued to work with the same team I had initially been placed with during my fellowship. The work I did at TCF inspired me to pursue a master’s degree and, after, a PhD in education. I would love to return to TCF once I complete my academic journey. I suppose you can say my Cardinal Quarter has never quite ended!

What advice would you give to a student considering a Cardinal Quarter? 
Find the right organization and then go for it! This is an opportunity of a lifetime, it teaches you so much about what it truly means to "do good."

What does public service mean to you today? 
It is part of a mission to leave the world a better place than I found it.